Digital competencies, artificial intelligence literacy, and responsible technology adoption took center stage in Seoul as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations outlined its strategy for labor-market resilience. A pre-recorded speech was presented on Nov. 3, 2026, by Mr San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, at the opening of the 2026 ASEAN+3 Human Resource Development Forum.
Addressing the event’s core theme, “From Skills to Jobs: Building AI-Ready Workforces Across ASEAN+3,” the Deputy Secretary-General emphasized that workers must be equipped with digital competencies to keep pace with evolving employment demands. The forum brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States alongside their ASEAN+3 partners, comprising China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, to address the growing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Addressing Divergent Digital Readiness Levels Across Member States
During his address, Mr San Lwin stressed that regional cooperation initiatives must respect the varying levels of digital readiness and distinct labor-market conditions found across individual ASEAN nations. Workforce development programs must connect skills development with employment opportunities.
H. E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, delivered pre-recorded remarks at the opening of the 2026 ASEAN+3 Human Resource Development Forum in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, on 3 November 2026. In line with the Forum’s theme “From… pic.twitter.com/8OYy6K9qyx”
The discussions in Seoul also tackled the necessity of responsible AI use, highlighting how responsible AI adoption can enhance learning outcomes and support decent work. Focusing on education, skills development, and employment opportunities, his address emphasized the need for technological progress to benefit all these areas.
Parallel Regional Focus on Responsible AI Governance
In a separate address delivered at the 2026 Media Cooperation Forum on the Belt and Road in Fuzhou, China, the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, underscored the growing responsibilities of media professionals amid the rapid circulation of information and the increasing use of artificial intelligence.
To support ethical artificial intelligence, Dr. Kao referenced multiple important regional guidelines, such as the ASEAN AI Safety Network, the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, and the ASEAN Responsible AI Roadmap. He encouraged practical cooperation focused on content verification, the professional capacity of journalists, and responsible AI use in newsrooms.
